Army’s School of Artillery Near DGCA Nod for Drone Training - What It Means for Indian Defence

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Delhi: For the first time, an Army institution is in line for certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This is the School of Artillery or the SOI in Deolali, which provides advanced training in all aspects related to gunnery in the country. High-level government sources said the “approval from the DGCA is in the final stages and could happen within a week.”The DGCA certification relates to a relatively new, and increasingly important weapon system for the armed forces worldwide: drones.

How School of Artillery Will Make A Difference in India's Drone Programme

After approval, SOI trained drone operators will be certified drone pilots, people who have met current national standards.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il3ar5EM5VQ

About 3000 officers and men of the Artillery receive training in handling and repair of drones every year, along with their compatriots from the Special Forces, instructors from some defence institutions and even the Navy.ALSO READ | Pakistan Major Military Push in Sir Creek - Submarines, Missiles, Drones In PlayThe SOI can now have a dedicated drone flying zone for training— up to 30,000 feet over the Deolali firing ranges without asking for permission each time from the authorities. This will ensure better quality training for drone operators, not just in the Artillery, but also the Infantry, the Armoured Corps, the combat engineers and other parts of the Army.Currently, the SOI is an institution with a double ISO (International Standards Organisation) certification, and this relates to education and training. After the certification, drone-related training will get an important boost.ALSO READ | Why Is Germany Betting Big on India? Submarines, Green Tech and Students - ExplainedDrones and drone-operators played a crucial role in the fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan and continue to do so in the Russia-Ukraine war. This relates to drones not just for surveillance, but also the ones for strikes against particular targets — soldiers in the frontline or high value assets in the rear.